Smarter Storage Better Yields

1. Smarter Storage, Better Yields Why grain monitoring deserves more of your attention, and your investment

2. The Hidden Cost of Poor Grain Storage By the Numbers The Root Causes Industry research shows that 10-15% of stored grain can be lost annually due to inadequate storage management. That's not just a statistic, that's your profit margin walking out the door. Moisture Migration Heat Pockets Temperature differentials cause moisture to move through grain mass, creating wet spots and ideal conditions for mold growth. Localized warming from respiration and insect activity can spread rapidly if undetected, cooking grain from the inside out. For a typical mid-sized operation storing 100,000 bushels, this translates to losing 10,000-15,000 bushels every single year. At current market prices, you're looking at tens of thousands in preventable losses. Poor Airflow Management Without proper aeration strategy, you're essentially gambling with your grain quality every single day. Reality Check: Mold doesn't announce itself. By the time you smell it, you've already lost significant value and quality.

3. How Grain Monitoring Systems Work? Modern grain monitoring isn't about replacing your experience, it's about giving you eyes and ears inside every bin, 24/7. These systems serve as your early warning network, catching problems before they become disasters. Continuous Monitoring Early Detection Track temperature and humidity at multiple depths throughout your grain mass, capturing real-time data every hour. Identify spoilage zones, hot spots, and moisture issues days or weeks before visible damage occurs. Instant Alerts Automated Response Receive notifications via text or app when conditions exceed safe thresholds, whether you're in the field or at the kitchen table. Advanced systems can trigger fan controls automatically, running aeration only when conditions demand it.

4. The Real Dollar Impact of Not Monitoring Let's talk numbers that matter to your operation. The cost of a monitoring system is an investment that pays for itself, often within a single storage season, when you consider what you're protecting. $1,650 $3,850 15% Loss Per Point Soybean Impact Spoilage Risk For every 1% moisture drop in 30,000 bushels of corn, you lose this much in shrinkage alone The same moisture loss in soybeans costs nearly double due to higher market value per bushel Maximum grain loss from poor storage conditions without monitoring systems Without Monitoring With Monitoring • Reactive maintenance after problems develop • Proactive intervention prevents major losses • Emergency grain movement and drying costs • Optimized aeration reduces energy costs • Reduced test weight and grade discounts • Maintained grain quality and premium pricing • Complete bin losses in worst-case scenarios • Peace of mind and reduced stress • Increased labor for manual checks • Automated alerts save time and labor Beyond direct grain loss, consider the hidden costs: emergency trucking to move compromised grain, rushed sales at unfavorable prices, damaged business relationships, and the hours spent manually climbing bins for spot checks. A monitoring system eliminates these headaches while protecting your investment.

5. What Separates Good Systems from Great Ones Not all monitoring systems are created equal. When you're investing in technology that protects hundreds of thousands of dollars in stored grain, you need to know what features actually matter in real-world farm conditions. Built Farm-Tough Accurate Dual Sensing Your monitoring system needs to handle the reality of grain bins: dust, moisture, temperature swings from -20°F to 120°F, and the mechanical stress of grain loading. Look for industrial-grade components with proven longevity, not consumer-grade sensors that fail after one season. Temperature alone doesn't tell the whole story. Premium systems measure both temperature and relative humidity at every sensor point. This dual-sensing capability is critical because moisture migration often precedes temperature changes, giving you earlier warning of developing problems. Flexible Configuration Actually User-Friendly Your operation is unique. The best systems offer multiple probe lengths (10', 20', 30', 40'+) to match your bin sizes and grain depths. Modular designs let you start with basic monitoring and expand to include fan automation, multiple bins, and remote access as your needs grow. Complex technology is useless if you won't use it. Prioritize systems with intuitive interfaces, simple alert configuration, and straightforward installation. The best system is the one you'll actually check every day, not the one gathering dust because it's too complicated. 🧩Pro Tip: Look for modular systems that integrate with fan control automation. The ability to automatically respond to conditions, not just alert you, takes your storage management to the next level.

6. Case Study: Three Years of Monitored Storage Theory is one thing. Real-world results are what matter. Let's look at an actual case that demonstrates the power of proper monitoring over extended storage periods. The Challenge The Results Year: 2016 harvest Crop:Corn Storage Duration: 3 years Sale Date:2019 Market Strategy: Hold for price appreciation 13.5% Final Moisture Maintained optimal moisture throughout storage 60 Test Weight Preserved premium test weight (lbs/bushel) What Made This Work The key to success was implementing a comprehensive monitoring strategy from day one. Probes were strategically installed after the bin was filled, a common real-world scenario that many farmers face. Despite not having the "ideal" pre-fill installation, the system still provided critical visibility into grain conditions throughout the entire storage period. Over three years, the monitoring system detected multiple developing hot spots and moisture migration events. Each time, the operator received alerts and could implement targeted aeration before any quality loss occurred. The grain was sold in 2019 at a significantly higher price than 2016 harvest levels, and maintained premium quality that commanded full market value, no discounts for low test weight, moisture issues, or quality concerns. This case perfectly illustrates that proper monitoring isn't just about preventing disasters, it's about enabling profitable storage strategies that would be too risky without real-time visibility into grain conditions.

7. Sizing Your System: How Many Probes Do You Need? One of the most common questions we hear: "How many sensors do I actually need?" The answer depends on your bin size, grain depth, and risk tolerance, but there are proven guidelines that work across most operations. 01 02 Calculate Your Base Coverage Scale with Volume Start with 2 probes for your first 10,000-20,000 bushels. This provides minimum coverage for small to medium bins and establishes your baseline monitoring network. Add 1 additional probe for every 10,000-15,000 bushels beyond your base. Larger bins need proportionally more coverage to catch developing problems before they spread. 03 04 Optimize Vertical Coverage Consider Layered Zones Always include both top and bottom probes when possible. Temperature and moisture problems often develop at different depths, and vertical coverage is your best insurance against missing critical issues. For bins over 30 feet deep, consider probes that monitor multiple zones at different depths. This catches problems developing in the middle of your grain mass, the hardest area to monitor with traditional methods. Example Configurations 18-ft Diameter Bin 30-ft Diameter Bin 48-ft Diameter Bin Capacity: ~15,000 bu Capacity: ~45,000 bu Capacity: ~110,000 bu Recommended: 2-3 probes Recommended: 4-5 probes Recommended: 8-10 probes Basic coverage for small operations or satellite storage Standard configuration for most farm operations Commercial-grade coverage for large storage facilities Remember: these are starting recommendations. Your specific needs may vary based on grain type, storage duration, local climate, and past experience with storage issues. When in doubt, err on the side of more coverage, the incremental cost of additional probes is minimal compared to the value of grain they protect.

8. Installation Best Practices: Making It Work A great monitoring system is only as good as its installation. The good news? With some basic materials and proven techniques, installation is straightforward enough for most operators to handle themselves, or you can work with your dealer for professional setup. Essential Installation Techniques Installation Tips Cable Management Farmer Hack: Use 1/2" rebar driven into the bin floor as vertical support for your probe cables. Attach probes at desired depths using wire or heavy zip ties. This creates a stable "sensor mast" that stays in place even as grain flows around it during unloading. Use heavy-duty zip ties every 3-4 feet to secure cables to bin structure. Loose cables create trip hazards and are vulnerable to damage during grain movement. Common Mistakes to Avoid Conduit Protection • Installing probes too close to bin walls where temperature readings are less representative Run cables through PVC or metal conduit in high-traffic areas and where they exit the bin. This protects against weather, rodents, and accidental damage. • Insufficient cable slack for thermal expansion and contraction • Forgetting to label cables before running them • Not testing the system before filling the bin Rebar Support System ROI on DIY Installation Create a vertical "sensor tower" using rebar as the backbone. Secure probes to the rebar with zip ties or wire, then lower the entire assembly into the bin. This farmer-proven technique provides excellent stability. Professional installation typically runs $500-$1,500 per bin depending on size and complexity. With basic tools and half a day's work, many farmers successfully install their own systems, putting that money toward additional sensors or bins instead. Junction Box Location Mount control boxes where they're accessible but protected from weather. South-facing walls can overheat electronics in summer, north or east sides are typically better choices. Grounding and Surge Protection Proper grounding prevents lightning damage. Don't skip this step, a single surge can destroy your entire investment. The key takeaway: Installation doesn't have to be intimidating. Take your time, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and don't be afraid to improvise with proven field techniques. A well-installed system will serve you reliably for years, and the time investment pays dividends every single storage season.

9. Beyond the Bin: The Complete Storage Strategy Here's the truth that separates good farmers from great ones: monitoring grain is only half the game. The most successful operations think about storage as part of a complete system, from the moment seed goes in the ground to the day grain leaves the farm. Plant Right Manage Smart Quality starts in the field. Closing wheel upgrades and planter optimization ensure consistent seed placement and emergence, setting the foundation for uniform grain quality at harvest. Precision field management, timely scouting, and proper harvest timing all impact your grain's storability. Harvesting at optimal moisture and minimizing mechanical damage reduces storage challenges. Store Safely Market Strategically This is where monitoring systems become your profit protection. Real-time visibility lets you maintain quality and capitalize on market timing instead of forced selling. Confident storage enables patient marketing. When you know your grain is safe, you can wait for the right price instead of selling out of fear or necessity. The Full-Circle Advantage Think of it this way: From seed to sale, every step optimized. That's not just better farming, that's better business. When you combine grain bin monitoring systems with other farm improvements like closing wheel upgrades and smart field management practices, you're not just storing grain, you're storing profit. Each component reinforces the others: better planting creates more uniform grain that stores better. Better storage gives you marketing flexibility. Better marketing returns fund the next season's improvements. It's a virtuous cycle that compounds over time. The farmers who consistently outperform their neighbors aren't doing one thing differently, they're optimizing the entire system. Grain monitoring is a critical piece, but it delivers maximum value when integrated into your broader operation strategy.

10. Take the Next Step in Storage Management You've seen the numbers. You understand the technology. Now it's time to protect your investment and unlock the full potential of your storage capacity. Why Act Now? • Harvest season approaches quickly, installation is easiest before bins fill • Current grain values make storage monitoring more valuable than ever • Every day without monitoring is a day of unnecessary risk • Installation during off-season means you're ready when harvest hits What Happens Next? • Contact us to discuss your specific storage setup and needs • We'll recommend a system configuration sized for your operation • Choose professional installation or DIY with our support • Start protecting your grain and your profits immediately 📞 Call Us 712-520-6051 Speak directly with our team about your storage monitoring needs ✉️ Email Us sales@farmshopmfg.com Send us your bin dimensions and we'll provide a custom recommendation Limited Time: Ask about our pre-season installation packages and multi-bin discounts. The best time to install monitoring was last year. The second best time is right now.

11. Thanks for Your Time May your grain stay dry and your yields stay high We appreciate you taking the time to learn about grain monitoring technology. Whether you're ready to move forward today or still evaluating your options, we're here to answer questions and help you make the best decision for your operation. Get In Touch Remember: Better storage isn't just about protecting what you've grown, it's about building a more profitable, less stressful farming operation for years to come.